“Any Progress is Good Progress”
Starting the semester on the wrong foot can feel overwhelming and discouraging. If you already feel like you’re behind, I’d suggest looking at these simple steps to get caught up. Remember, any progress is good progress!
Step One: Check-In With Yourself
This includes both your body and your mind. Take stock of how you’re feeling – whether you’re stressed, tired, or otherwise. Consider taking a short break to stretch or meditate if you’re feeling especially stressed or tired. After this, take note of your work space, check your calendars, assignments, due dates, bills, and anything else you need to handle (in whatever order feels right!). Being mindful of both your body and your mind puts you in a good position to make healthy decisions.
Step Two: Get Organized!
Whether you use a physical calendar, bullet journal, a to-do list, or Google organizing extensions like Better Canvas, Momentum, or Canvas Charts, it’s important to put everything you need into an easily digestible format that works for YOU. If you need help, ask a friend or advisor for advice. Keep experimenting until you find what works best for you.
Step Three: Step Out & Step Up
When it’s time to get to business, make space for yourself. Whether you work alone or with company, in silence, or with a Spotify study playlist in your headphones, it’s important to find your ideal study environment. Once you’ve found your space, it’s time to start hunkering down. Breaking down larger tasks into smaller steps can be an effective strategy if you’re feeling overwhelmed. This can look like setting a goal to complete one chapter, even if you have ten to read. Even if your first steps feel small, they’re still steps forward!
Remember, you got this!
Isaiah (he/him)
Peer Health Educator